2019 Summer Programs

REGISTRATION OPENS ON MARCH 1, 2019

I'm pleased to present our Summer 2019 dance offerings! Our program includes some returning favorites and exciting new camps. Last year's inaugural Summer Intensive Prep Camp and Contemporary Ballet Intensive were extremely well-received and they return this summer, joined by the new Choreography Camp. The always-popular Fantasy Ballet Camps are offered on five different weeks this year. The Story Ballet Camp serves students in the Pre Ballet division: those that have outgrown Fantasy Campbut are seeking a fantasy/story ballet-inspired camp experience. The Junior Ballet Intensive is offered in June and again in August-a great way for pre-pointe and new to pointe dancers to build their skills. We welcome esteemed guest artists Wilhelmina Frankfurt and Steven Caras back, for our Classic Intensive. This year's Intensive will culminate with a performance at The Playhouse with excerpts from the original ballet by David McNaughton, TOM SAWYER, and Balanchine's Stars and Stripes.

Registration for all programs is on a first-come, first served basis. All camps require a $100 nonrefundable deposit at time of enrollment. Camps are restricted by size in order to maintain teacher-to-student ratios that insure quality instruction and a meaningful experience. I encourage you to register early and look forward to seeing you in the studio this summer.

Virginia Stapleton, Founder/Artistic Director

Summer Programs

Fantasy Ballet Camp

(ages 3-6)

This popular camp provides a wonderful exploration of dance, music and art in a creative and intimate environment. We are offering five weekly sessions, each with a special theme and activities based on Virginia Stapleton's unique curriculum infused with ballet classics. Camp is led by Miss Megan, Miss Lauren, and others from our nurturing and experienced staff, assisted by teen dancers. Each day, our little dancers enjoy class, story time, arts and crafts, snack time and more! Costumed characters come to life, visiting camp to perform and interact with the children. At the end of each week, parents enjoy a captivating performance. Campers are divided into two groups based on age. Note: Must be 3 years old on or before March 1, 2019. Students turning 3 between March 2 and June 30 accepted on trial basis only. Students that are age 6 and have completed the Pre Ballet 2 level may enjoy the Story Ballet Camp.

Fee: $275 (per session)Meets: 9:00 am to 12 NoonSessions:June 24–28: Cinderella The tale of Cinderella, her wicked stepsisters, her fairy godmother, a glass slipper, a handsome prince, and a happy ending!July 8–12: Fairies & PrincessesBe inspired by some of ballet's most special characters: Aurora, the Lilac Fairy, Cinderella, Odette and the Sugar Plum Fairy!July 15–19: Nutcracker, Act 1Join Clara's adventure as her wooden toy comes to life and she goes on a wondrous journey to the enchanting land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. August 5–9: Sleeping BeautyA magical ballet about spells, fairies, one wicked fairy and a beautiful princess named Aurora.August 12–16: Nutcracker, Act 2Join us as we journey through the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and explore the mysterious and exciting characters featured in act 2 of this classic story!

Story Ballet Camp: The Nutcracker

(ages 6-8)

This weeklong exploration of the beloved ballet engages young dancers. Students will explore the plot, setting and characters; and collaborate to create a short performance. Daily ballet class and fantasy games will further their skills in ballet technique in a creative and engaging way. Each day we will have a different project to embellish our understanding of the ballet story, such as painting scenery or making props- all in preparation for the production on the final day. It will be a magical week, sure to capture the creative spirit of your young dancer.

Fee: $275 (per session)Meets: August 5–9 from 9:30 am -12:30 pm

Junior Ballet Intensive

(ages 9-12)Current students: Entering Ballet 2 - Ballet 5

This unique program is designed for our middle range dancers, striving for a more rigorous and intensive camp experience. Dancers will refine their technique and maintain their strength through barre and center work, strengthening and pre-pointe exercises, and learning and creating new choreography. Ideal for students who have been identified as near pointe-ready and those who have recently been placed en pointe, as it offers an intensive course of study to build pointe skills in preparation for the fall and Nutcracker season. This program assists younger dancers become more focused and dedicated dancers. Each day, the two groups come together for a lecture/demonstration that will expand their knowledge about the world of dance, stagecraft, nutrition and wellness. There will be two levels of instruction based on ability and age. A healthy snack is included each day.

Fee: $325 (per session)

June24–28:
August 12–16:Meets: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Summer Intensive Prep Camp

(ages 13 & up)

This new program has been created in response to the large number of dancers that are doing Intensives between June 25 and Aug. 10. This rigorous all-day program will build your strength and stamina and prepare you for the rigors of Intensives at places like ABT, Miami City Ballet, SF Ballet, and Joffrey. (Open to all students, not just those doing outside intensives!)

Fee: $750 (Special Early Bird Discount: Save $75 if you register by April 15!) Meets: 9:00 am to 5:00 pmSessions: June 17–21

Contemporary Ballet Intensive

(ages 13 & up)

This week long contemporary dance intensive will be led by Casey Lee Thorne, Bay Area artist, teacher, and Artistic Director of Inside Out Contemporary Ballet. Geared towards ballet trained dancers who want to try something new, students will experience a variety of movement styles including a GYROKINESIS warm up as well as developing skills in floor work, inversions, and release technique. In addition, students will have the opportunity to create their own dances as they experiment with classes in composition and improvisation. This is sure to be a week of fun and creativity as we expand the possibilities of what dance can be. Join us! We will present an in-studio demonstration on the final day.

The Stapleton Ballet plans to present The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in its entirety in the spring of 2020, and is exploring the possibility of travelling with the cast to perform The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at the prestigious 2020 Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. (In 1992 the fledgling Stapleton Youth Company performed this ballet to critical acclaim at the Fringe Festival in Scotland.)

Summer Session: Open Class

Summer training is essential for aspiring dancers, as flexibility, strength and technique can diminish over the long summer break. Summer session offers the ultimate in convenience: you pick the days and weeks you want to take class and you are billed at the end of the session for the classes you've taken. The best news: you'll come back strong and well-prepared for fall ballet and Nutcracker season. Daily two hour classes meet from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Greenfield studio. Please note: The week of Aug 19-23 has a special focus on Nutcracker preparation for all dancers-variations will be taught!